The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – In this episode, we delve into character development through setting objectives and overcoming obstacles. Discover how to craft compelling characters that move the story forward and engage audiences with expert advice. This episode will motivate writers and storytellers with vibrant character creation that resonates with readers. Hollywood Story Structure Class - Early Adopte...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Hannibal Lecter. Agent Starling. Rick Blaine. What do they have in common? They are perfect examples of paradoxical characters, which is really why they are so great! Come along for the ride while Zena shows clips and breaks down how these characters are not what they seem. Hollywood Story Structure Class - Early Adopter opportunity Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting The S...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – What is Character? Why do we have trouble really nailing that down? And why does it seem so hard to create 3D characters? Does that really matter if the plot is great? The answers to these and more in this episode where Zena gives tips on how to create characters with depth. Hollywood Story Structure Class - Early Adopter opportunity Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting The...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – One big issue we can run into as writers is unintentionally making characters who all sound the same. But they all have distinctive lives, backgrounds, and personalities. So, how do we make sure that is heard in their voice? How do we give them each a distinctive voice of their own? Watch this episode for 7 practical and easy tips on just that. Hollywood Story Structure Class...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Your narrative voice is something unique to you, that sets you apart from others. People can tell it's your voice before they even know you wrote it. So, how do you make that happen? How do you cultivate it? How do you find your author voice? Your writer voice? Watch this episode to find out just that. Hollywood Story Structure Class - Early Adopter opportunity Free Vide...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Subtext: an essential element for story to add conflict and further develop your characters. But how do you capture the true essence of this covert communication method? Let's dive into the what and how of this little beast so you can harness its power in your story. Hollywood Story Structure Class - Early Adopter opportunity Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting The Sto...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – What is a genre anyway? Is it really that important for you to identify your genre? You don't want to be boxed in by a label, right? Wrong. You do want that label. You do need to identify your genre. And here's why. Hollywood Story Structure Class - Early Adopter opportunity Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting The Storyteller's Mission Podcast is now on YouTu...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Commercial story? Sounds like selling out, but it's more along the lines of actually selling. You have to have mass appeal if you want your stuff to sell. Period. So, put your #wip to the test and see if it stands up to any of these 10. Hollywood Story Structure Class - Early Adopter opportunity Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting The Storyteller's Mission Podcast...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Whether your #wip is a screenplay, a novel, or a novel that hopes to one day become a screenplay, this episode is for you. Hollywood loves to adapt books into movies, so make sure you start on the right foot by ensuring you have these three elements in your story. Hollywood Story Structure Class - Early Adopter opportunity Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting The Storyteller...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Ever wonder if you actually have a good story idea? Want to take that story idea that seems good and make it great? Well, stop what you're doing and watch this episode to level up your stories and unlock their full potential. Hollywood Story Structure Class - Early Adopter opportunity Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting The Storyteller's Mission Podcast is now on...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Sneak Peak into the Beta Program for Zena's new online class - Hollywood Story Structure Made Easy. Want a deeper dive into #fatalflaws in character development? Go ahead and click the link below so you can be a part of this group too! Hollywood Story Structure Class - Early Adopter opportunity Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting The Storyteller's Mission Podcast...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Sneak Peak into the Beta Program for Zena's new online class - Hollywood Story Structure. Check out this excerpt where she discusses the differences and similarities between writing screenplays and writing novels. Then go ahead and click the link below so you can be a part of this group too! Hollywood Story Structure Class - Early Adopter opportunity Free Video Tutorial...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Zena joins Diana Flagel on Reality Coaching for Writers for this sweet little episode all about why and how to keep your protagonist active. Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting The Storyteller's Mission Podcast is now on YouTube. You can watch your favorite podcast as well as listen. Subscribe to our channel and never miss a new episode or announcement. Support the Sho...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Jennifer Dornbush teaches the proper processes and evidentiary trails to follow in a crime story, but she also helps connect the dots to see that the same principles can really be applied to all stories, not just in the crime genre. And speaking of genre, Jennifer and Zena also discuss what makes the crime genre so popular and fulfilling. Jennifer is a screenwriter, author, i...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Jennifer Dornbush talks forensics, story structure and character arc. If you are writing crime stories or not, there are several applicable tools and tips in this interview. Jennifer is a screenwriter, author, international speaker, and forensic specialist. Raised as the daughter of a medical examiner whose office was in their home; forensics and crime writing are infused int...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – I know, I know. What fear? Right? You're not scared, right? Or are you? What stories are you allowing yourself to tell? Well, it's time for a paradigm shift. And Zena is here to tell you all about why and how. By the end of this episode you will understand that we need not be afraid. Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting The Storyteller's Mission Podcast is now...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Are you stuck in the "and they lived happily ever after" zone? Do you wonder if that's really the only way? What if all stories didn't need a happy ending? Would you want to understand why and how? Well, here's your chance! Zena breaks it all down on this week's episode. Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting The Storyteller's Mission Podcast...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Dialogue is a fantastic tool to provide clarity and show, not tell. But how do you make sure your dialogue is true to your story? How do you justify the dialogue so it isn't trite and contrived? How do you make sure your audience doesn't check out because it's confusing? Tune in as Zena shares 4 tricks to help you create organic, meaningful dialogue that your a...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – No one likes to watch a movie or read a novel where you can see the setups as plain as day. Audiences want to be surprised and delighted when those setups that you integrated come full circle later in the story. So, how do you seamlessly add your setups? One easy to remember tool. Learn about it here and find out how the movie #aliens uses this tool to perfection. Free Video...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Ever wonder if you have too many scenes? Want to make sure every one counts? Want to make sure every scene plays into your narrative? How about making sure they all move the story forward? Well, here is one tip you don't want to miss. Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting The Storyteller's Mission Podcast is now on YouTube. You can watch your favorite podcast as wel...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Zena Dell Lowe breaks down one rule for storytellers that George Lucas didn't follow in Star Wars Episode 1. Learn how to avoid this mistake in your own story. Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting The Storyteller's Mission Podcast is now on YouTube. You can watch your favorite podcast as well as listen. Subscribe to our channel and never miss a new episode or annou...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Opening scenes can make it or break it for your audience/reader. Take too long and you've lost them, go too fast and you'll miss building the story and the moments. So what is a writer to do? Check out this episode and find 2 simple tips to help hook your audience from the start! Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting The Storyteller's Mission Podcast is now on...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Have an antagonist who feels one dimensional? Your villain falling a little flat? Check out this episode to understand how to develop those characters to new satisfying, three-dimensional depths. Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting The Storyteller's Mission Podcast is now on YouTube. You can watch your favorite podcast as well as listen. Subscribe to our channel and ne...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Passive characters are un-engaging and boring. Things are happening to them, whereas an active character is driving the action, they are intriguing, and they grab your audience. Okay, so easy choice. You want an active character. But what does that mean? What does that look like? How do you avoid that passive pitfall? Tune in for this top 10 list and learn how to give your MC...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – How easy is it to rely on your characters to extrapolate on their thoughts and feelings? But is that really fair to your readers? I mean, sure, sometimes you can't get around it, but when you can, it adds intrigue and excitement to the narrative. And this in turn hooks your reader on another level. Want to learn how to get out of your character's head and bring thos...